To intensify one's efforts.
To approach in a determined manner.
To steer away from the wind; to approach from windward.
To exert downward pressure on one's abdomen, as in giving birth, forcing out feces, and some similar bodily maneuvers.
To push (someone) to the ground; to defeat, overcome.
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see bear, down.
To reach an unexpected extent in doing something.